Festival of Lights shines on Loyola

The Loyola Asian Student Organization and the University Programming Board join together with the Asian Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana and the Asian Pacific American Society of New Orleans to present “Festival of Lights,” a cultural celebration of Asia, on Friday, March 13, from 3:30 - 8 p.m., in the Residential Quad on Loyola’s main campus. It is open to the public and free to attend.

This event is also hosted by the Center for International Education, the Student Government Association, the Chinese Table, Delta Sigma Pi and the International Business Center at the Joseph A. Butt, S.J., College of Business.

The purpose of the festival is to help students gain knowledge of Asian culture by engaging them in a traditional Asian festival, complete with cultural and entertainment booths, crafts, music and food.

The Festival of Lights will include a headline performance from the St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, a group which boasts 13 years of experience in performing the very dynamic and traditional Japanese-style drumming. Other events include a martial arts demonstration from the local Tamashii Karate and Tai Chi Center, traditional Vietnamese and Indian dances, as well as a Chinese dragon dance.

Between performances, there will be brief informational sessions emphasizing Loyola University’s study abroad opportunities in Asia, Loyola’s Chinese and Japanese language and culture classes and Asian culture groups within the New Orleans community.

Other highlights hosted by LASO will include a “make your own Bánh Mì” booth, in which attendees can make their own Vietnamese-style po’boys and a “Kingyo Sukui,” or goldfish scooping booth, where festival goers can try to catch their own goldfish with small nets made of rice paper. Food and care directions will be provided to winners.

The Festival of Lights and its supporting organizations are dedicated to promoting the awareness of Asian culture within the New Orleans community and celebrating the rich Asian traditions at Loyola University and in New Orleans.

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